'99th Anniversary Ceremony of the June 10 Independence Movement' to Be Held on the 10th

One of the Three Major Independence Movements Along with the March 1 Movement

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on June 9 that it will hold the '99th Anniversary Ceremony of the June 10 Independence Movement' at the gymnasium of Jungang High School in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of June 10. The ceremony, held under the theme 'Our Korea, Everyone's Independence, United in Manse,' will be attended by about 400 people, including descendants of independence patriots, key figures and representatives from various sectors, students, and citizens.

The June 10 Independence Movement is one of the three major independence movements that protested against Japanese colonial rule, along with the March 1 Movement of 1919 and the Student Independence Movement of 1929. Triggered by the death of Emperor Sunjong, it was a second March 1 Movement prepared by various independence groups and took place on June 10, 1926, the day of the funeral, led by students.

At that time, students in Seoul produced leaflets and Taegukgi flags, distributed the leaflets throughout the funeral procession, waved the flags, and shouted 'Long live Korean independence.' Over 200 people were arrested on the spot, 11 were prosecuted and sentenced to prison, and students across the country protested Japanese rule through boycotts at 55 schools. The June 10 Independence Movement was designated as a national memorial day in December 2020.

Jungang High School, the venue for the ceremony, holds historical significance as the successor to Jungang Private High School, which, together with Jungdong School, led the manse movement among students of private high schools at the time.

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Jeongae stated, "The June 10 Independence Movement is a proud history of our national independence movement and a symbol of unity and harmony that transcends generations and ideologies." She added, "Just as the pioneers of the June 10 Independence Movement came together as one for the independence of our country, I hope this ceremony will serve as an opportunity for us to remember and carry on their spirit and move forward together toward a united Republic of Korea."